By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Former AC Milan and England manager Fabio Capello has underlined the decisive role of Ademola Lookman in Atalanta’s prospects for the new Serie A campaign, warning that the Nigerian forward’s unresolved future could shape the club’s entire season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport in his season preview, Capello pointed out that new manager Ivan Jurić faces a delicate challenge in Bergamo, particularly with Lookman’s ongoing transfer saga casting doubt over the stability of the attack.
“The Lookman affair is a significant one. We’re talking about a player who has made a real impact in recent years, both in terms of goals and assists,” Capello said.
“If he stays, he remains a key figure. If he leaves, Atalanta will be forced to reinvent much of their attacking potential.”
Capello, who won five Serie A titles as a coach, stressed that Atalanta’s strength lies in their organization, passion, and long-term project, but admitted that Lookman’s situation remains the “real deciding factor” in determining their trajectory.
Atalanta, Europa League winners in 2023, have set a firm €50 million asking price for the Super Eagles forward and have so far resisted pressure to lower it.
Lookman has returned to training after weeks of uncertainty, but continues to work separately from the main squad, keeping speculation alive as the transfer window remains open.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
